Vimana Agama

Ahh! Nara...

Don't be afraid, we're not bad Nara! Paimon's Paimon, and he's Traveler. You're Ararycan, right?

That's right! Araja sent us here, saying that you could help us.

Wah... there's been strange Nara around, that's why I was a bit scared.

We didn't mean to scare you! It's just that we didn't know you were so absorbed in...

Mmm... Since you can see Ararycan and are friends with Araja, the forest must recognize you. You can't be bad Nara.

Mm-hmm. You are good Nara. Ararycan is not afraid. Did you say that you have questions for Ararycan?

Yeah, that's right...

We would like to know more about the delicious fungus.

About that, Arachatora might know better than me...

No, that's not what we were trying to ask! Have you seen some suspicious Nara around Vimara Village, Ararycan?

Arana is good Aranara. Protecting Vana often, and helping little Nara always, are what Arana does.

Ararycan once helped little Nara. Arana said that Marana's Avatar is taking little Nara away. So Ararycan helped.

Recently, the local Vana... Ah, I meant the forest. The forest and stream are always crying. Maybe, it's because of Marana. Marana, bad.

Marana refers to the Withering, and Vana... That's gotta mean the forest. Well, that's some new Aranara words learned. Wait, does the forest cry, too?

Maybe it's a figure of speech.

Sunshine brings happiness, but too much sunshine means less water. Water makes us grow, and no water means withering.

Songs bring happiness and power, getting sick makes us upset, and being sick for too long means withering. It's the same for Vana and Aranara.

Ah, but Mint is different. Mint, so strong.

The forest has been crying harder lately, Ararycan is worried.

Is it because Marana is harming the forest?

Ararycan is not sure. It smells like Marana, but not really the same. But Ararycan knows that, some bad dirty stuff are making the forest sick, in places Ararycan can't see.

If the forest keeps being sick like this, a super giant Marana will come and suck all living things away! All the flowers will wither and leaves will fall.

The fruits will go bad, and the mushrooms will stop growing.

Eh? No more mushrooms!? That means no more Chicken-Mushroom Skewers!

We'll help.

That's right! We're here to help!

And, around the area of "sickness," there is a weird Nara. That might be the bad Nara you want. Good Nara help Ararycan, and Ararycan takes you to him.

Looks like we can help each other! What do you think, Traveler?

That's exactly what I'm thinking.

Thank you. But, Marana is scary. Nara will die.

We've dealt with that before. It'll be alright.

Nara Traveler defeated Marana before? You're very strong.

And you are Golden Nara, just like the legendary Nara Varuna. You look reliable, I believe in you!

Mmhmm. Just leave it to us! Now, we've got another question...

About our reward...

Re... war? Do you mean enemies, Nara Traveler?

Oh, come on, don't say such things to Aranara!

Ararycan, do you know anything about the bad dirty stuff?

I have seen many weird Hilinara with filthy stains on them. They've been acting suspiciously around the giant iron mountain.

Hilinara...

Giant iron mountain? You mean that super big Ruin Guard over there? Speaking of which, something seems off with that ruin machine...

It has no "eye"...

Hey, that's true! Other ruin machines all have a core that looks like an eye!

Ararycan knows nothing about ruin machines. As for the giant iron mountain, it has been here since a long, long time ago.

A long, long time... How long is that, exactly?

The time it takes for a tiny little seed to grow into a giant tree that can touch the sky!

Huh, that sure is a long, long time. Well, it shouldn't be hurting the forest if it has been here for that long...

Bad people might come here because of it, though.

Mmm, you have a point. Bad guys like the Fatui, Treasure Hoarders and the Abyss Order! Super bad guys!

Bad Nara, bad!

Either way, let's investigate it, shall we? Who knows, we might even find some treasure!

Thank you. Ararycan also saw that there are other strange things besides the suspicious Nara.

Alright then, let's go! Don't fall behind now, Ararycan!

Ah! How did you get up here?

Nara Traveler, that's the suspicious Nara. He's been sneaking around here with that suspicious machine.

Mmm, you're right. Coming to a place like this is pretty suspicious, alright...

Um, I'd say you're the suspicious ones here. After all, I am a certified researcher from the Akademiya, and you are outlanders of unknown origin.

Oh, a commission? So you're adventurers. Or perhaps you're Eremites or something?

Well, it doesn't matter. My name is Jazari, a Kshahrewar Researcher, as you can see. I don't care what you came here for, but don't get in the way of my research.

What's there to be researched in this deep cave?

There are always things to be researched everywhere. As the saying goes, "ignorance is a researcher's disgrace."

You must have noticed the huge ruin machine out there, right? That is actually a Ruin Golem made in the ancient realm of Khaenri'ah.

In the local lexicon of Khaenri'ah, the name might possibly have been something like "Mechanical Warden."

See? We're right behind the Ruin Golem. The machine's operator, should there have been one, would have entered from here.

Hmm... But a machine of this size would have required more than one operator, right?

Aha, that's among my research topics! Unfortunately, I haven't made much progress so far.

Exploring the Ruin Golem from the inside seems to be the only solution, and I am presently looking for a way in.

You sound more suspicious by the minute...

That's right, we did meet an Abyss Order member disguised as a researcher that one time! Paimon reckons he was called Enjou... Traveler, do you remember what happened to him again?

We beat the snot out of him.

Hey, hey! Please don't! I'm a legitimate researcher...

Ugh, you don't believe me, do you... See this? This is an Investigation Charter from the Akademiya, with the highest possible level of clearance.

That's not something to be given away on the streets. Certainly not one concerning investigations into ancient ruins as important as this. The Akademiya would never issue something like this casually.

I can't give you the original copy, but... Wait a second, where did I put my Kamera... I remember placing it inside my bag...

Be careful! He's taking that suspicious machine out again.

Eh? Is this the suspicious machine you mentioned? It's just a Kamera...

A Kamera?

That's right. It's a machine that takes pictures. It's pretty convenient!

Yes. This is a priceless item as far as the Akademiya is concerned. I can't just let you touch it... Wait. Who were you talking to just now?

Um... about that...

An imaginary friend...

Don't worry, I understand your condition. It's okay, we're friendly people here in Sumeru. You'll have no trouble making real friends. I guarantee it.

...

Still, do not get in the way of my research. After all, "nothing under the sun is truly new," and it is our duty as researchers to collect information and investigate it.

All the charters are recorded in the Akademiya. If you are still skeptical, just keep an image of this for validation in the House of Daena.

Aaanyway, we've got something to discuss! Traveler, let's talk over there...

As you wish.

Ah! How did you get up here?

Nara Traveler, that's the suspicious Nara. He's been sneaking around here with that suspicious machine.

Mmm, you're right. Coming to a place like this is pretty suspicious, alright...

Um, I'd say you're the suspicious ones here. After all, I am a certified researcher from the Akademiya, and you are outlanders of unknown origin.

Oh, a commission? So you're adventurers. Or perhaps you're Eremites or something?

Well, it doesn't matter. My name is Jazari, a Kshahrewar Researcher, as you can see. I don't care what you came here for, but don't get in the way of my research.

What's there to be researched in this deep cave?

There are always things to be researched everywhere. As the saying goes, "ignorance is a researcher's disgrace."

You must have noticed the huge ruin machine out there, right? That is actually a Ruin Golem made in the ancient realm of Khaenri'ah.

In the local lexicon of Khaenri'ah, the name might possibly have been something like "Mechanical Warden."

See? We're right behind the Ruin Golem. The machine's operator, should there have been one, would have entered from here.

Hmm... But a machine of this size would have required more than one operator, right?

Aha, that's among my research topics! Unfortunately, I haven't made much progress so far.

Exploring the Ruin Golem from the inside seems to be the only solution, and I am presently looking for a way in.

You sound more suspicious by the minute...

Ugh, you don't believe me, do you... See this? This is an Investigation Charter from the Akademiya, with the highest possible level of clearance.

That's not something to be given away on the streets. Certainly not one concerning investigations into ancient ruins as important as this. The Akademiya would never issue something like this casually.

I can't give you the original copy, but... Wait a second, where did I put my Kamera... I remember placing it inside my bag...

Be careful! He's taking that suspicious machine out again.

Eh? Is this the suspicious machine you mentioned? It's just a Kamera...

A Kamera?

That's right. It's a machine that takes pictures. It's pretty convenient!

Yes. This is a priceless item as far as the Akademiya is concerned. I can't just let you touch it... Wait. Who were you talking to just now?

Um... about that...

An imaginary friend...

Don't worry, I understand your condition. It's okay, we're friendly people here in Sumeru. You'll have no trouble making real friends. I guarantee it.

...

Still, do not get in the way of my research. After all, "nothing under the sun is truly new," and it is our duty as researchers to collect information and investigate it.

All the charters are recorded in the Akademiya. If you are still skeptical, just keep an image of this for validation in the House of Daena.

Aaanyway, we've got something to discuss! Traveler, let's talk over there...

As you wish.

Some fate must have dictated that we would meet here. But that friend of yours... *sigh*

She must have led a lonely life. Be nice to her.

Anyway, I have to organize my findings. So, if you would excuse me...

Heh, finally believe me, do you?

Yep, guess you're not suspicious after all, Jazari.

We have some questions about the situation...

Hehe, ask away. As a Kshahrewar researcher who specializes in studying ruin machines, I've been investigating this big guy over here for years.

No one on this earth knows more about this Ruin Golem than I do.

What about beneath the earth, then?

Well...

Legends hold that the ancient realm of Khaenri'ah lies beneath the earth. Since they built all the ruin machines, it would be arrogant of me to say that I understand these devices better than they do.

Tell me about the "bad dirty stuff"...

Haha, you're looking for bad and dirty things, are you? Then you should visit the city.

The city? Are bad things in the city?

Um...

Anyway, this locale is somewhat polluted, which might be related to the "bad and dirty stuff" you mentioned.

Well, here's the situation. We've heard that the forest here has...

Is that so? Let me think about this... I might indeed have some clues.

According to my research, all ruin mechanisms work on the same principle no matter what they do, whether it be flying or launching missiles...

And well, a Ruin Golem is theoretically the same as a Ruin Guard, except that it was to be operated by people. Have you noticed anything abnormal about this Ruin Golem?

It looks incredibly big.

Um, this isn't an issue of size. Have you not noticed that its core is missing?

Yeah, this big guy here's got no peeper.

Exactly. According to the documents, ruin machines are powered by their cores. To be precise, by the dark power inside what you call an "eye."

When Khaenri'ah was destroyed, many ruin machines like this one burst out from the desert.

Although things are different now, even the Akademiya was unable to handle the cores back then.

A single mistake could cause a core meltdown, leading to serious accidents. As a result, the Akademiya had no choice but to temporarily seal the cores and deal with them later.

If the documents have it right, the core of this Ruin Golem should be sealed inside the ancient ruins known as "Dev's Cavern," which is right beneath our feet.

Is there anything wrong with the core?

There shouldn't be, but we have detected some energy leakage. The seal seems to have been damaged at some point, though we have no idea when.

Heh, the last time someone published a research report regarding such matters was more than ten years ago.

Any progress on this matter should warrant a large amount of funding from the Akademiya.

Funding? Are you saying that you get Mora from doing research?

That's right. Speaking of which, we did talk about pollution a moment ago... For ecological topics, we might be able to file a subject application with BiologyAmurta.

That would really be an archon-send for those who study fringe subjects like us.

At first, I had planned on taking the route recorded in previous reports to look inside. Unexpectedly, all the entrances were blocked.

Ararycan knows. It's the place outside, where Ararycan sensed bad things.

I thought it might have been the Forest Watchers or the Vimara villagers who did it. But given what you described, someone must have sneaked inside and blocked the entrances.

Maybe it was the "Marana's Avatar" that you mentioned. Well, I wouldn't dare mess with something like that... Hilichurls are more than enough trouble for me, as you can see, or I wouldn't be stuck here right now.

First things first, though. If you want to travel underground, I do have an idea as to how. Interested?

This Nara, awesome! How do we travel beneath?

Guess you're pretty good after all. So, how do we get down there?

We just need to find a way to enter this Ruin Golem and smash the blocked entrance open with it.

Oh... Paimon just had a sense of déjà vu...

That's my kind of plan!

The data acquired from such an action would be priceless. Even if something goes wrong, the benefits still outweigh the risks.

Also, if we can investigate the core buried underground, I could... submit a funding application on your behalf.

What do you think? That's killing two birds with one stone... Well, three birds, actually.

If we can get some funding... Let's help Jazari out, Traveler. Academic research is important too, after all!

Of course. But you'd best report to the Akademiya when you have the time, or this might be classified as malign research.

Anyway, let's try to get inside first. The operator might still be there. That would make for some great data... I mean, a good research subject...

It has been hundreds of years, you know...

Never mind that. There might be treasure inside, right?

I'm quite sure that some antiques are stored within. Research on those would...

What do you think, Traveler? Since Mr. Jazari has put it like that, Paimon reckons we should do some... academic research!

Great! So, how do we get in?

Aha! I almost forgot the most important thing. Opening the door to the Ruin Golem's cockpit requires an Amiti Device. To put it simply, a key.

The bad news is that I don't have this key... But the good news is that I have discovered its whereabouts from studying the documents on hand.

If you must know, I have scoured half the House of Daena for the few records available. The last report on the Amiti Device was published decades ago.

And though I have now figured it all out, my findings cannot be published as things stand. Most irritating indeed...

So where exactly is this key?

Ah, to put it simply, the key may be found in Port Ormos to the south, in the hands of an antique dealer named Royinjan. Could you please accompany me there?

You've been staying here doing research for so long, and you've never thought about visiting him?

Um, the thing is, I'm not good at dealing with merchants... They just don't understand me, which makes communication almost impossible.

I've been cheated out of a lot of Mora before on account of this.

That's true, I do find it hard to follow your thoughts at times, too.

...Wait, so this is actually all my fault? Agh...

Well, whatever the case, we're going to Port Ormos, right? Let's go check it out, then.

Paimon needs friends? Ararycan could be your friend.

Me too.

Um... Thanks, you two, but that's not the problem!

The issue is that he can't see you, Ararycan.

Mm-hmm. When Nara grow up, they can't really see Aranara anymore. Young Nara see us because they are innocent. But grown Nara can't.

Nara Traveler is a dreamer, favored by trees and flowers, so you can still see us, even as a grown-up.

Anyway, we should be more careful when talking to Aranara in front of others...

Well, Paimon doesn't think Jazari was lying, anyway. You might have misunderstood him, Ararycan.

Ararycan saw that Nara taking out his... Kamera, and doing *ka-chick* to hilinara. Very suspicious.

If that Nara isn't bad... Ah, he runs away every time the hilinara come. So he can't really be friends with the hilinara.

Mm-hmm, the Nara holds his machine and runs so fast.

So he shouldn't be a bad person. Nor should he be related to the children at Vimara Village...

I'm not particularly interested in all this, but we'll finish what we started.

Yup, Paimon totally agrees!

Anyway, since he's doing research around here, he should be pretty familiar with the situation.

Maybe he can help you, Ararycan!

Heh, finally believe me, do you?

Yep, guess you're not suspicious after all, Jazari.

We have some questions about the situation...

Hehe, ask away. As a Kshahrewar researcher who specializes in studying ruin machines, I've been investigating this big guy over here for years.

No one on this earth knows more about this Ruin Golem than I do.

What about beneath the earth, then?

Well...

Legends hold that the ancient realm of Khaenri'ah lies beneath the earth. Since they built all the ruin machines, it would be arrogant of me to say that I understand these devices better than they do.

Tell me about the "bad dirty stuff"...

Haha, you're looking for bad and dirty things, are you? Then you should visit the city.

The city? Are bad things in the city?

Um...

Anyway, this locale is somewhat polluted, which might be related to the "bad and dirty stuff" you mentioned.

Well, here's the situation. We've heard that the forest here has...

Is that so? Let me think about this... I might indeed have some clues.

According to my research, all ruin mechanisms work on the same principle no matter what they do, whether it be flying or launching missiles...

And well, a Ruin Golem is theoretically the same as a Ruin Guard, except that it was to be operated by people. Have you noticed anything abnormal about this Ruin Golem?

It looks incredibly big.

Um, this isn't an issue of size. Have you not noticed that its core is missing?

Yeah, this big guy here's got no peeper.

Exactly. According to the documents, ruin machines are powered by their cores. To be precise, by the dark power inside what you call an "eye."

When Khaenri'ah was destroyed, many ruin machines like this one burst out from the desert.

Although things are different now, even the Akademiya was unable to handle the cores back then.

A single mistake could cause a core meltdown, leading to serious accidents. As a result, the Akademiya had no choice but to temporarily seal the cores and deal with them later.

If the documents have it right, the core of this Ruin Golem should be sealed inside the ancient ruins known as "Dev's Cavern," which is right beneath our feet.

Is there anything wrong with the core?

There shouldn't be, but we have detected some energy leakage. The seal seems to have been damaged at some point, though we have no idea when.

Heh, the last time someone published a research report regarding such matters was more than ten years ago.

Any progress on this matter should warrant a large amount of funding from the Akademiya.

Funding? Are you saying that you get Mora from doing research?

That's right. Speaking of which, we did talk about pollution a moment ago... For ecological topics, we might be able to file a subject application with BiologyAmurta.

That would really be an archon-send for those who study fringe subjects like us.

At first, I had planned on taking the route recorded in previous reports to look inside. Unexpectedly, all the entrances were blocked.

Ararycan knows. It's the place outside, where Ararycan sensed bad things.

I thought it might have been the Forest Watchers or the Vimara villagers who did it. But given what you described, someone must have sneaked inside and blocked the entrances.

Maybe it was the "Marana's Avatar" that you mentioned. Well, I wouldn't dare mess with something like that... Hilichurls are more than enough trouble for me, as you can see, or I wouldn't be stuck here right now.

First things first, though. If you want to travel underground, I do have an idea as to how. Interested?

This Nara, awesome! How do we travel beneath?

Guess you're pretty good after all. So, how do we get down there?

We just need to find a way to enter this Ruin Golem and smash the blocked entrance open with it.

Is... is that even possible?

That's my kind of plan!

The data acquired from such an action would be priceless. Even if something goes wrong, the benefits still outweigh the risks.

Also, if we can investigate the core buried underground, I could... submit a funding application on your behalf.

What do you think? That's killing two birds with one stone... Well, three birds, actually.

If we can get some funding... Let's help Jazari out, Traveler. Academic research is important too, after all!

Of course. But you'd best report to the Akademiya when you have the time, or this might be classified as malign research.

Anyway, let's try to get inside first. The operator might still be there. That would make for some great data... I mean, a good research subject...

It has been hundreds of years, you know...

Never mind that. There might be treasure inside, right?

I'm quite sure that some antiques are stored within. Research on those would...

What do you think, Traveler? Since Mr. Jazari has put it like that, Paimon reckons we should do some... academic research!

Great! So, how do we get in?

Aha! I almost forgot the most important thing. Opening the door to the Ruin Golem's cockpit requires an Amiti Device. To put it simply, a key.

The bad news is that I don't have this key... But the good news is that I have discovered its whereabouts from studying the documents on hand.

If you must know, I have scoured half the House of Daena for the few records available. The last report on the Amiti Device was published decades ago.

And though I have now figured it all out, my findings cannot be published as things stand. Most irritating indeed...

So where exactly is this key?

Ah, to put it simply, the key may be found in Port Ormos to the south, in the hands of an antique dealer named Royinjan. Could you please accompany me there?

You've been staying here doing research for so long, and you've never thought about visiting him?

Um, the thing is, I'm not good at dealing with merchants... They just don't understand me, which makes communication almost impossible.

I've been cheated out of a lot of Mora before on account of this.

That's true, I do find it hard to follow your thoughts at times, too.

... Wait, so this is actually all my fault? Agh...

Well, whatever the case, we're going to Port Ormos, right? Let's go check it out, then.

Welcome. You must be travelers from abroad. What brings you here to my shop? Would you like to make any purchases or seek to appraise any items?

So you're Royinjan, the antique dealer, right?

Royinjan, the Chief Antique Appraiser, to be precise. Did you come specifically to visit me? Well, I shan't let you down then.

We're looking for a certain antique.

Oh? Then you've come to the right place. If you can name it, Royinjan here can tell you about it.

I've probably seen enough antiques to lay out across the entire marketplace. Even the Akademiya might not have seen quite as many.

We're looking for the... Um, what's the thingy's name again? Paimon can't remember.

Hi, we're looking for an Amiti Device.

Eh? I've never heard of something like that.

Hey! You just said that we could name anything!

Haha, don't worry. I haven't heard of that name, but I might yet know of the thing you want. Antiques tend to have a variety of monikers, you see.

Can you describe the thing that you're looking for?

Ugh, how should I put it? The documents didn't include a particularly detailed description...

It's an item in the style of those ruin machines, and it should be an identification device of sorts.

It should be marked with unique Khaenri'ah-style patterns, that can be recognized to be chronologically different from the common types seen on Ruin Guards, thus marking this as some sort of earlier version of the device...

And considering what we know of ruin archaeology...

Ah, alright, you can stop now. I know what you're looking for.

Ha, so you know? That's so very helpful, thank you. In that case, please give it to me.

Uh, that's not how this works. This item is very precious. If you really want it, you'll have to pay for it. And that's... 500,000 Mora, at the very least.

500,000 Mora!?

It's an antique, you know. What I'm offering is a pretty common price.

Ugh... But what if the Mora we spend here can't guarantee a successful report...

Let's just help him out, shall we, Traveler?

We've helped others bargain before, haven't we? You're probably a dab hand by now.

Really? That's... a relief. I'm terrible at things like this.

That's everything on me. Just take it. I'll have to find a gig with the Eremite over there if that's not sufficient, though.

*sigh* Fine, I'll just make do with that amount. But treat the item well, okay? Each antique has many stories and emotions behind it.

Pretty good, Traveler!

Hmm, this price is a little too low... You know what I mean?

This price... Did you come all the way here to make fun of me?

Well, you have a deal! I mean, Mora does come after friendship for us dealers, so I'll do you three a friendly favor today. There, I'll sell you the antique at the price you've named.

*sob* My funding...

...

I see how it is. You're not buying anything, are you? I didn't do decades of business here just to be messed with!

No, no, that's not what we meant...

500,000, that's the final deal!

Hmm... What are we gonna do, Jazari?

*sob* I'll have to accept that for the sake of my research...

Well, here's the remaining funding...

Hmm, wait. What is this?

Isn't this just a normal Chaos Core!?

Nonsense. That's no ordinary Chaos Core, but the core of a Ruin Guard prototype found in Stormterror's Lair.

See the marks left by the Great Wolf King of the North? This is a unique treasure alright, and no mistake!

Eh? Then isn't this the one we saw at Stormterror's Lair? Didn't Dain take it?

This one's got to be a fake!

Whoa, that's impressive understanding for someone your age.

Wait, but that's not the point!

Well, I don't know about this Dain fellow, but I sure have heard of Stormterror's Lair. Anyway, if you have different insights about antiques, we could discuss them in private...

Whatever this is, it's definitely not the Amiti Device.

What I'm looking for is a key that can open up the Ruin Golem on Devantaka Mountain.

According to my research, it should be in the hands of your grandfather, Mr. Hasad, the Golden Adventurer.

Well, at least that was the case several decades ago...

Oh, come on. You should have just said this earlier.

You didn't exactly let me...

Haha, but that really brings back memories. It's been so long since I last heard stories about my grandpa.

When I was little, grandpa would often tell me stories of his adventures. I thought then that he was just bragging, but what do you know, he actually was that awesome.

Speaking of which, it is mostly because of him that I became an appraiser of antiques. All the stories about treasures were just so intriguing.

Still, the thing you spoke of is not here with me.

Eh? You haven't sold it off, have you?

I wish I did... But treasures don't stay where they don't belong, as they say. I mean, isn't that what happens in all treasure-hunting legends?

Well, Grandpa didn't care about any of that stuff, but according to him, that device engraved with ancient characters was lost during one of his adventures in some underground cave.

That was a long story, one which he told me so many times. But... I can't remember a single word of it now.

Actually, I even planned a treasure hunt for it with some others back then. And as to whether we really found it again... Well, if we did, it should still be hidden in a secret base at Vimara Village.

A secret base at Vimara Village?

Haha, I always went there to play when I was just a kid. You know how kids love their secret bases.

Could you please show us to the secret base? Perhaps we could find some clues there.

So this thing is that important to you, huh? Still, I haven't been back for over ten years...

It's an important matter pertaining to scientific research.

Alright. Since you bought something from me, I'll take you there. But try to manage your expectations, okay? I really can't remember what happened that long ago.

We're counting on you either way...

Hooray! To the secret base we go!

Well, here's the remaining funding...

Now, let me see... Wait, this is by no means the Amiti Device I spoke of.

What I'm looking for is a key that can open up the Ruin Golem on Devantaka Mountain.

According to my research, it should be in the hands of your grandfather, Mr. Hasad, the Golden Adventurer.

Well, at least that was the case several decades ago...

Oh, come on. You should have just said this earlier.

You didn't exactly let me...

Haha, but that really brings back memories. It's been so long since I last heard stories about my grandpa.

When I was little, grandpa would often tell me stories of his adventures. I thought then that he was just bragging, but what do you know, he actually was that awesome.

Speaking of which, it is mostly because of him that I became an appraiser of antiques. All the stories about treasures were just so intriguing.

Still, the thing you spoke of is not here with me.

Eh? You haven't sold it off, have you?

I wish I did... But treasures don't stay where they don't belong, as they say. I mean, isn't that what happens in all treasure-hunting legends?

Well, Grandpa didn't care about any of that stuff, but according to him, that device engraved with ancient characters was lost during one of his adventures in some underground cave.

That was a long story, one which he told me so many times. But... I can't remember a single word of it now.

Actually, I even planned a treasure hunt for it with some others back then. And as to whether we really found it again... Well, if we did, it should still be hidden in a secret base at Vimara Village.

Haha, I always went there to play when I was just a kid. You know how kids love their secret bases.

Could you please show us to the secret base? Perhaps we could find some clues there.

So this thing is that important to you, huh? Still, I haven't been back for many years...

It's an important matter pertaining to scientific research.

Alright. Since you bought something from me, I'll take you there. But do manage your expectations, okay? I really can't remember what happened that long ago.

We're counting on you either way...

Hooray! To the secret base we go!

Ahh! Nara...

Don't be afraid, we're not bad Nara! Paimon's Paimon, and he's Traveler. You're Ararycan, right?

That's right! Araja sent us here, saying that you could help us.

Wah... There's been strange Nara around. That's why I was a bit scared.

We didn't mean to scare you! It's just that we didn't know you were so absorbed in...

Mmm... Since you can see Ararycan and are friends with Araja, the forest must recognize you. You can't be bad Nara.

Mm-hmm. You are good Nara. Ararycan is not afraid. Did you say that you have questions for Ararycan?

Yeah, that's right...

We would like to know more about the delicious fungus.

About that, Arachatora might know better than me...

No, that's not what we were trying to ask! Have you seen any suspicious Nara around Vimara Village, Ararycan?

Arana is good Aranara. Protecting Vana often, and helping little Nara always, are what Arana does.

Ararycan once helped little Nara. Arana said that Marana's Avatar is taking little Nara away. So Ararycan helped.

Recently, the local Vana... Ah, I meant the forest. The forest and stream are always crying. Maybe, it's because of Marana. Marana, bad.

Marana refers to the Withering, and Vana... That's gotta mean the forest. Well, that's some new Aranara words learned. Wait, does the forest cry, too?

Maybe it's a figure of speech.

Sunshine brings happiness, but too much sunshine means less water. Water makes us grow, and no water means withering.

Songs bring happiness and power, getting sick makes us upset, and being sick for too long means withering. It's the same for Vana and Aranara.

Ah, but Mint is different. Mint, so strong.

The forest has been crying harder lately, Ararycan is worried.

Is it because Marana is harming the forest?

Ararycan is not sure. It smells like Marana, but not really the same. But Ararycan knows that some bad dirty stuff are making the forest sick, in places Ararycan can't see.

If the forest keeps being sick like this, a super giant Marana will come around to suck all the living things away! All the flowers will wither, and all the leaves will fall.

The fruits will go bad, and mushrooms will stop growing.

Eh? No more mushrooms!? That means no more Chicken-Mushroom Skewer!

We'll help.

That's right! We're here to help!

And around the area of "sickness," there is a weird Nara. That might be the bad Nara you want. Good Nara help Ararycan, and Ararycan takes you to him.

Looks like we can help each other! What do you think, Traveler?

That's exactly what I'm thinking.

Thank you. But, Marana is scary. Nara will die.

We've dealt with that before. It'll be alright.

Nara Traveler defeated Marana before? You're very strong.

And you are golden Nara, just like the legendary Nara Varuna. You look reliable, so I believe in you!

Mmhmm. Just leave it to us! Now, we've got another question...

About our reward...

Re... war? Do you mean enemies, Nara Traveler?

Oh, come on, don't say such things to Aranara!

Ararycan, do you know anything about the bad dirty stuff?

I have seen many weird Hilinara with filthy stains on them. They've been acting suspiciously around the giant iron mountain.

Hilinara...

Giant iron mountain? You mean that super big Ruin Guard over there? Speaking of which, didn't we see a similar machine earlier?

Paimon thinks it was called a Ruin Golem or something. But this big guy looks a little different...

It has no "eye"...

Yeah, that's true! The other Ruin Golem we've seen have a core that looks like an eye, just like Ruin Guards!

Ararycan knows nothing about any Ruin Golem. As for the giant iron mountain, it has been here, since a long, long time ago.

A long, long time... How long is that, exactly?

The time it takes for a tiny little seed to grow into a giant tree that can touch the sky!

Huh, that sure is a long, long time. Well, it shouldn't be hurting the forest if it has been here for that long...

Bad people might come here because of it, though.

Mmm, you have a point. Bad guys like the Fatui, Treasure Hoarders and the Abyss Order! Super bad guys!

Bad Nara, bad!

Either way, let's investigate it, shall we? Who knows, we might even find some treasure!

Thank you. Ararycan also saw that there are other strange things besides the suspicious Nara.

Alright then, let's go! Don't fall behind now, Ararycan!

It's so much bigger in here than Paimon thought!

Of course it is! Wait, this is a moment for that famous phrase, is it not?

"Behold. Thousands of years of ancient Khaenri'ah history lie before us!"

Oops, got carried away there. This is a famous quote by Iskandar, a VahumanaAetiology sage. Wait. Haven't you read his biography?

I've read about it countless times in books, but this is the first time I've seen it in person, and that's why I can't contain my excitement.

Look at all these vines. It must have been a really long time since anyone last came here.

According to the text named "The Review of Research on Issues Related to the Ruin Golem in Ancient Khaenri'ah," the last scholar who managed to get inside a Ruin Golem for systematic research was Pir Kavikavus.

I'm sure you don't know this, but Pir Kavikavus was one of the greatest scholars in Kshahrewar's history. Kavikavus earned the rank of Herbad before hitting thirty — a genuine academic genius.

With his achievements, he would have become a sage sooner or later. But he met with an accident during an expedition, and his research results were lost.

Ever since then, Kshahrewar has gone downhill. If he had lived longer, perhaps I wouldn't be worrying about expenses day and night like this.

By the way, it's my academic ambition to follow in Pir Kavikavus' footsteps.

Well, forget your academic ambition for now. Our next step is to...

Smash open the entrance.

Uh-huh, then we need to activate this big guy first.

Right. By activating the Ruin Golem, I can get valuable experimental data, which will then serve as the basis for a breakthrough in my research.

One has to make some waves to outdo one's predecessors, after all.

So let's get this thing working, then! There's got to be some mechanism here... You know, the kind of thing that lights up when pressed?

Hmm... I do recall there being one. According to our records, once the Separation Valve in the steering cabin is turned on, the Ruin Golem will be activated.

But as I told you before, all ruin machines are driven by the dark power of their cores. And the cores of the Ruin Golem have been sealed underground.

Even if we got into the steering cabin, the conventional method will not work.

In fact, we can't even start this lift right before us, so how will we get to the steering cabin at the top?

Hmm, you're right... So what do we do now?

Let's try hitting it.

Wait! I do have the most authoritative research permit granted by the Akademiya, but that doesn't mean we can damage this machine as we please.

As the saying goes, "when one door closes, another opens." And in any case, I'm positive that the people of Khaenri'ah surely took this scenario into consideration.

The Akademiya's research shows that the early ruin machines also had a backup power system, perhaps because the techniques that allowed them to utilize this dark power were still in their infancy.

Power system?

Unlike the cores that supply almost unlimited energy, this power system comprises a series of small power relays.

The power sources of these devices are energy blocks that store pure energy extracted from the Ley Lines.

According to VahumanaAetiology researchers, this power system most likely had been in widespread use long before the first ruin machine was ever built in ancient Khaenri'ah.

As I stated earlier, the Ruin Golem is an early model, so it must have one of those backup power systems.

The core power cabin is at the bottom. Let's get down there first.

Wow! It's starting up!

What do you think? The machinery in the Ruin Golem, whether it's a relay or a trap door, can be powered by this Energy Block.

But nothing seems to have changed at all...

Well, because this backup system comprises a series of small power relays.

In other words, we have to work all our way up from the bottom, and the system can only function when all the relays have been connected.

All of them...

Given the damage to the Ruin Golem, it will be quite difficult for it to run at full power.

But just as you were activating this relay, I found this in the power room.

It seems to be the blueprint for the Ruin Golem. Perhaps its maintenance crew left it here.

According to this blueprint, we only need to connect several key relays to start this machine...

At the very least, we'll be able to start this lift and go up to the steering cabin.

That sounds questionable...

Well, there's nothing else we can do, so we might as well try activating the lift first, yes?

Wait, aren't you coming with us?

I'll stay here and take pic— no, study the internal structure of the Ruin Golem. That's also important work.

Besides, I'm a scholar. There's little I could do to assist you directly in your task. But if you have any technical problems, I'll be here for you.

Look at the ingenious machinery all around. What a masterpiece of human civilization!

This is valuable information for research. I've gotta record all it down.

Back so soon? Well, I'm still studying the load-bearing structure of these components here. But it's impressive that you got the lift started!

You were just guessing about the activation thing, weren't you?

Well... Come on, I've only read about it in books.

Just so you know, there are no more than three people in the entire Akademiya who can read this blueprint. So guessing it right does mean something!

Anyway, now that the lift is working, we should be able to access the steering room above by activating the relays on the middle level.

I see... The mid-level gear should be in the power room. We need to activate all four relay units.

If we can't find an Energy Block that works, it is also possible to temporarily remove them from the device. It's fine as long as they're all connected in the end.

I'll keep waiting for you here then.

Huh? What were you guys doing up there? I thought I heard a truly incredible racket while I was studying this inductive circuit.

Well, whatever you're doing, please keep it down. If there's any trouble with the machine here, it'll be hard for me to explain it away in my report to the Akademiya.

Pilot? Are you joking?

Even people of Khaenri'ah couldn't live for hundreds of years.

Anyway, I assume you've got the relays in the middle connected, yes?

I'm almost done here as well. Come. Let's go up to the steering cabin at the top.

Just like before, we simply need to connect the power system to the steering cabin to activate the Ruin Golem's control systems.

Ugh... Besides this dark stone slate, nothing else here seems to be of value.

Stone slate? Don't underestimate it. If we can get the control system running, then we can see the outside world through it.

The control system here looks like it can still work. Ancient Khaenri'ah's creations really are amazing.

I never thought I would have this chance in this lifetime. But now it seems that once I complete this research report, winning the Pir Kavikavus Prize is only a matter of time now...

Then let's try and start this machine. Paimon can't wait!

Now, now, we shouldn't rush anything. We need to follow the instructions!

Let me see. According to these specifications, I should first press... Huh, which one is it...

And what did I say about following the instructions...?

We didn't really get it to do anything...

Its arm just, y'know, fell off! Paimon's pretty sure the machine itself is to blame!

Fine, I'll record it as an experimental accident, then. Ugh... I do hope that this won't diminish my report in any way.

Anyway, it seems like we won't be able to start the Ruin Golem again, so there's no point in me keeping you here.

I know you're here to investigate the contamination of the underground ruins, but I'm afraid that the Ruin Golem won't be of much use to you now.

Even so, you may see some unexpected progress as a result of what you did.

Well, I shall not keep you any longer. I have my research to get done here, in any case.

You can come and look for me once your work is done... if I haven't been disciplined for destroying the Ruin Golem yet.

Once that happens, I can help you apply for the research project on the Chaos Cores.

I'll be the one in charge of the project, of course. But don't worry, I'll give you half the funds.

Anyone can embark on an academic career as long as they have the desire to learn, so go for it!

Looks just like the big robot Paimon once visited!

Oh? You have been inside another Ruin Golem?

Yes! In the desert, someone named Afratu asked us to look into machines just like this one.

Afratu? Darn it, don't tell me he has also got his eyes on the title of "Well-known Ruin Golem Researcher."

No, I don't think that's the case...

I remember that guy to be a Vahumana Researcher, and this shouldn't interest him.

That's not totally impossible, though.

After all, that's where Iskandar, the sage saying "Behold. The thousand-year history of ancient Khaenri'ah lies before us!", comes from.

Enough about the "well-known researcher" thing. Compared to the one we saw, this seems really deserted.

Of course.

According to the text named "The Review of Research on Issues Related to the Ruin Golem in Ancient Khaenri'ah," the last scholar who managed to get inside a Ruin Golem for systematic research was Pir Kavikavus.

I'm sure you don't know this, but Pir Kavikavus was one of the greatest scholars in Kshahrewar's history. Kavikavus earned the rank of Herbad before hitting thirty — a genuine academic genius.

With his achievements, he would have become a sage sooner or later. But he met with an accident during an expedition, and his research results were lost.

Ever since then, Kshahrewar has gone downhill. If he had lived longer, perhaps I wouldn't be worrying about expenses day and night like this.

By the way, it's my academic ambition to follow in Pir Kavikavus' footsteps.

Well, so the next step should be...

Uh-huh, then we need to activate this big guy first.

Right. By activating the Ruin Golem, I can get valuable experimental data, which will then serve as the basis for a breakthrough in my research.

One has to make some waves to outdo one's predecessors, after all.

So we'll start this big guy from the steering cabin, right?

Well... generally, once the "separation valve" in the steering cabin is turned on, the Ruin Golem should be activated.

But as I told you before, all ruin machines are driven by the dark power of their cores. And the cores of the Ruin Golem have been sealed underground.

Even if we got into the steering cabin, the conventional method will not work.

In fact, we can't even start this lift right before us, so how will we get to the steering cabin at the top?

Hmm, you're right... So what do we do now?

Let's try hitting it.

Wait! I do have the most authoritative research permit granted by the Akademiya, but that doesn't mean we can damage this machine as we please.

As the saying goes, "when one door closes, another opens." And in any case, I'm positive that the people of Khaenri'ah surely took this scenario into consideration.

The Akademiya's research shows that the early ruin machines also had a backup power system, perhaps because the techniques that allowed them to utilize this dark power were still in their infancy.

Power system?

Unlike the cores that supply almost unlimited energy, this power system comprises a series of small power relays.

The power sources of these devices are energy blocks that store pure energy extracted from the Ley Lines.

According to VahumanaAetiology researchers, this power system most likely had been in widespread use long before the first ruin machine was ever built in ancient Khaenri'ah.

As I stated earlier, the Ruin Golem is an early model, so it must have one of those backup power systems.

The core power cabin is at the bottom. Let's get down there first.

The gates to scholarship will open to whoever has a seeking heart.

Now go for it with that in mind!

Hey, Ararycan, what are you doing here?

Ararycan has been waiting for you here since Ararycan finished sowing the flowers.

But then, something just fell off the Great Iron Mountain. It almost hit Ararycan!

Oh no! We're sorry, Ararycan!

Paimon doesn't have to say sorry. Ararycan is fine. Ararycan is a fast runner, so Ararycan didn't get hit.

Just glad it didn't hurt you.

The robot's severed arm must have broken the entrance to the underground ruins open. Well, at least it wasn't completely useless.

Then let's go down and have a look. Who knows what nasty things wait for us down there!

Ararycan is going with you!

The glowing thing in there must be the Ruin Golem's Chaos Core. Y'know, the one Jazari talked about.

It's sealed by branches and vines, but something seems to be flowing out of it.

Ohh, it's the filthy stuff. Ararycan can feel it. This is what made the forest sick.

Ah, some Abyss Mages seem to be up to something around those big branches. This can't be good...

Paimon remembers Jazari said that the core's seal had been damaged. Maybe these Abyss Mages had something to do with it...

Anyway, you should go and find a place to hide, Ararycan. Let's stop them!

Phew, it's finally over!

Well, it was a long journey, wasn't it?

Oh right, if he knows about the core, he can help us apply for some funding and all that stuff.

But Paimon's not gonna enroll in the Akademiya or anything. You aren't planning to either, right, Traveler?

Anyway, we don't know what Marana's Avatar has to do with the Abyss Order yet, but it's a good thing that we cured the forest's illness all the same.

*sob* Thank you for helping Ararycan.

You're welcome, Ararycan.

So, what do you plan to do next, Ararycan?

Ararycan will celebrate Festival Utsava. But Ararycan worries about the forest's illness.

There's a chance that the bad things that made the forest sick will come back. Ararycan needs to guard the forest.

So Ararycan will come back here after Festival Utsava.

Wow, Aranara really do have tough jobs.

If you ever need any help, Ararycan, be sure to come to us!

Okay, Ararycan will.

Hehe! Take care of yourself. We'll see each other soon!

There's a big robot component here, too. Paimon reckons that Jazari'll take his Kamera out again if he sees it.

Ararycan claims to have moved the big components back there. But that can't be true, right?

Of course it is true. Ararycan doesn't deceive Nara.

Ararycan was the Aranara who played with the kids at the secret base.

But Ararycan remembers nothing about this...

Maybe it has something to do with the dried flower in the journal.

Yeah. The Aranara at the Mawtiyima Forest forgot everything after giving us a flower as well.

Maybe the three of them had the same adventures we did.

Ararycan doesn't know what you're talking about and Ararycan can't remember. But it's fun hanging around with little Nara!

Paimon hopes you remain happy wherever you may go, Ararycan.

Looks like there are big robot parts here, too. Gee, imagine what would happen if Jazari saw them, eh? He'd whip his Kamera out again, and that would be the last we'd hear of him for a while.

Ararycan claims to have moved the components back there. But that can't be true, right?

Of course it is true. Ararycan doesn't deceive Nara.

Ararycan was the Aranara who played with the kids at the secret base.

But Ararycan remembers nothing about this... Do Aranara forget the past too?

"The forest remembers everything."

Ararycan doesn't know what you're talking about and Ararycan can't remember. But it's fun hanging around with little Nara!

Paimon hopes you remain happy wherever you may go, Ararycan.

Look at the plants here. What's inside the cave wouldn't happen to be...

*sob* It's Marana. Please protect Ararycan, Nara Traveler.

We will protect you! No need to be afraid of Marana, Ararycan.

If Amadhiah is right, Traveler, the fragment of the Amiti Device should be inside.

Let's neutralize The Withering first!

It should be in a cave somewhere near here. Is my memory going or something?

Why don't we ask the villagers of Vimara Village? They should know if there's a cave around here.

The villagers? Eh, there's no point asking them. This is a secret base! How would they even know where it is? If I remember correctly, the cave entrance should be behind these vines, so let's split up and search for it.

This great researcher and I will go look over there. You two search this place, alright?

Alrighty, then let's start our search from the vines here. Gah, there really are so many of them, though...

These are not vines, they're Vamadha.

Eh? You know something about this, Ararycan?

Yeah, these are Vamadha. Aranara made them.

Why would the Aranara make this?

Aranara make Vamadha when they don't want Nara to enter a place. Where Vamadha are present, only Aranara can enter.

Huh... Aranara are pretty small, but the place's been blocked completely. Paimon thinks even you can't get through.

Nara can't get in, but Aranara can sing. Vamadha spin when they hear us singing, and when they do, we can enter.

Yep! Nara Traveler is a friend of the forest. If you sing, Nara Traveler, the Vamadha will hear it. Come on, Ararycan will teach you!

I recall it should be around here...

Why can't I find it...

I didn't expect that there would be a Ruin Golem component that I've never seen before. How much more of this Ruin Golem have I not discovered?

Have you found the fragments of the Amiti Device? My academic career is in your hands here!

Ugh, why am I looking for some secret base here again...? Oh, whatever. It's all in the name of academic research. Yes, yes...

We're going to fall behind on research progress if we don't find the Amiti Device quickly.

Wow, no kidding! It really started spinning like a ball.

Aaand there's our mysterious cave entrance.

Ararycan remembers this cave.

Eh? Did you make this Vamadha, Ararycan?

Ararycan doesn't remember, but little Nara must be protected. This much Ararycan knows.

Well, we've no clue why this place was sealed by the Aranara, but this should be the entrance to the secret base, so let's call those two over.

Haha, I knew this was the place! Our secret base should be this way... How did you guys find it?

Ararycan did a great job.

Eh, either way... Since you found the entrance to the cave, let's go in. We just have to find the Amiti Device next...

It's pretty big inside. Don't get scared now...

Wow! This place is really huge! You were a pretty impressive kid, eh, Royinjan?

Not bad, eh? But it's much smaller than I remember.

Haha, more than grown up. I'm an old man now.

But this place really hasn't changed at all. It's like time stood still here.

Even the air smells the same. A single whiff brings back so many memories...

Let's not waste time. Do you remember where the Amiti Device is?

Patience, youngster. Let's take a look around first.

One thing has been bugging Paimon since we first walked in. What is this huge machine part?

Oh, Ararycan knows. This was moved here from the Giant Iron Mountain.

Giant Iron Mountain... You mean it was taken from the Ruin Golem from before?

You noticed it too? Judging from the pattern, such parts should belong to the Ruin Golem, though I don't know why it was arranged in this fashion.

Perhaps you really do have some academic talent. Would you like me to recommend you to study in the Akademiya once our project comes to a close?

You're sure to make lots of friends there.

Uh, that's not what this is about... but thanks anyway.

But a child shouldn't have been able to move anything this big. So who piled it up here in this way?

Maybe it was a forest spirit! ...Nah, just kidding. I can't remember.

Ararycan knows! Ararycan moved it.

How did you move something this big?

Ararycan can move it. Ararycan is very strong.

Haha, I remember two groups of us kids running around this big guy and play-fighting.

Were there that many children here before?

In the beginning, yes... Our group's stronghold should be up ahead...

Oh, I remember now. I think I buried something over there. I'll take you.

C'mon, c'mon! Paimon wants to see what we've got... Eh? It's just a booklet.

Oooh, this is good stuff! This was our "Adventure Handbook" back in the day.

Adventure Handbook?

Don't you guys know about Adventure Handbooks? I thought you were adventurers from abroad based on how you look and the fact that you're here looking for treasure or something.

Right? Many adventurers write them. It's like an adventure journal, to record their experiences, plans, and even the clues to treasure locations.

As you guys know, my grandfather was a great adventurer, though I didn't understand a lick of what he wrote into his adventure journal.

Still, I grew up wanting to be an adventurer, so I made my own imitation adventure handbook. You could say that's where I got my start.

I know how important this is to you, but it won't help us find the thing we're looking for.

Now, now, not so fast. Didn't I tell you that I planned to find the Amiti Device? What happened then is recorded in this Adventure Handbook.

Let me see... I remember that the two of us... Wait a moment. Why are there three people in the drawing? Has my memory already gone that bad? Or is it because my eyes can't see well anymore?

Do you need me to lend you my glasses? I have the latest model, as produced by the Akademiya.

Sir Researcher, are you really that... Forget it, let me take a closer look... I'm pretty sure now that the Amiti Device should have been buried right here by yours truly.

Great! So we just have to search this cave... is what I would say, if this place wasn't quite so big.

There's no need for that. The location of the device is recorded here. It should be...

Yes, this is indeed the Amiti Device.

See? I didn't lie to you guys!

Yay! Now we can scuttle right back and open that giant robot up, right? Hehe, Paimon's getting excited already!

Hmm. Alas, this is just a fragment. There's no way we will open the Ruin Golem without a complete device.

I can fix it if it's not been completely destroyed, but we will have to find some way to recover the remaining pieces.

And as for these remaining fragments...

Oh, don't be so anxious. The device was split into three parts.

But why would grandpa put them in three different locations...? You know what? This would be a very exciting story, if only I remembered more of it.

Three different places... So, are the locations of the fragments recorded here?

Yes, that's right. The locations of the buried device fragments are all recorded in this handbook. We must have found the fragment buried here back then from... wherever it was at first.

In that case, let's go find the remaining two fragments using this. We're the best at finding things, aren't we, Traveler?

...Mm, yeah, Paimon knows what you mean. It's alright, though! We'll surely find her.

Heh. That's what I said, anyway, but...

But?

I can't understand these writings.

Eh? How can that be? Didn't you write these notes yourself?

Um... Well, this is actually a record of the adventure that the two... Well, maybe the three of us undertook.

I can't remember who this third person was, but I certainly haven't forgotten that old man. If you want to know the location of the remaining device fragments, you should go look for him.

That old man should still be kicking even now, and if he is, he definitely still lives in Vimara Village. He did say he would live out the rest of his days there, after all.

The old man you're talking about is...

Amadhiah, maybe?

Oh? You know that old fellow? Well, that makes things easier! Take this handbook and show it to him. He should understand.

Eh? You aren't gonna come with us?

Hmph, I don't want to meet that old fossil.

If you've figured out where the fragments are buried, go look for them yourself. I would like to go with you, but my old bones aren't up to the task anymore.

I wanted to be a great adventurer like my grandfather back when I was a young boy. And if it hadn't been for that guy...

...Well. Stories are, in the end, more important than the adventure itself. So if you collect any stories, please remember to bring them to me.

I can give you guys this device fragment as a reward. How about that? It's a good deal, right?

You have a deal!

Well, it looks like I won't be of much help in this endeavor. So I might as well wait here for you. There are a lot of parts here to study, and I'm not going to pass up the chance to do it.

I'm counting on you two to bring the fragments back as quickly as you can. Things will get dicey for me if I miss the deadline.

This is such a nostalgic place. It's like the very dirt and air here are trying to tell me something... But I just can't recall anything.

Did you guys find the device fragments you're after? Remember to bring the stories you've collected to me afterward, alright?

Ah, we meet again, friends of Rana. Is she not with you? I wonder what's taking her so long to patrol the woods this time...

Still, this must be a special occasion, for you to come to see me.

Well, yeah. It's for...

So you went to the secret base. What do you think? Pretty impressive, isn't it?

Royinjan is here in Vimara and still doesn't want to see me. That fellow gets more stubborn the older he gets...

That's how he is, though. It's almost been ten years since I last saw him.

And that was when I had some business in Port Ormos. I'm relieved to hear he's still himself.

That's an odd relationship you have between you.

So why doesn't Royinjan want to see you?

It's a long story... You wouldn't mind hearing an old man prattle on, would you?

Yes, Paimon wants to know too!

Back when we were kids, Royinjan lived in Vimara for a while because of his grandfather.

As a kid from bustling Port Ormos with a legendary adventurer for his grandfather, Royinjan quickly drew the attention of the other kids.

I was one of those kids who was fascinated by the stories he heard from his grandfather.

Together, we built a "secret base" in a cave and dressed ourselves up as warriors and heroes with branches and flowers.

To us children, the base was another world, where we went through countless imaginary adventures.

Those old times seem like a dream now.

Royinjan also mentioned that the base once played host to loads of kids, so what happened?

All dreams end someday.

Yeah, kids do have short attention spans in any case. Be it legends or adventures, these are just some of their many passing interests.

By the time we realized that truth, Royinjan and I were the only two left in the base... No, make that three, actually.

Royinjan also mentioned there were three of you, but he can't recall the third person anymore.

I'm not sure, either. It's been so long and we're both old now... Who could it have been...?

An Aranara, perhaps?

These "Aranara" again? Now that sounds like make-believe worthy of children.

If I had left Vimara with him, I'd probably still believe in all that.

With him, you say... So why did Royinjan leave then?

For his adventures, of course. That guy's been stubborn ever since we were kids.

We'd vowed to become the greatest adventurers in the world, just like his legendary grandfather.

But neither of us had the knack for being one. After my initial enthusiasm had worn off, I found that I had far more important things to do.

So in the end, he was the last one left.

That's why we're like this now. The way he sees it, I was more of an adventurer, yet I gave up before he did.

Stubbornness, that's all it is. Still, it was also thanks to Royinjan's stubbornness that he wound up being the best antique dealer in Port Ormos.

Well, that's it for the story. You want to know where to find the two fragments, right?

It's going to take a while to mark them out for you, though. My eyesight's gotten quite deplorable in my old age...

I'll count this as a commission from him. I used traditional Vimara cursive for this, which he should be able to comprehend — he definitely would've back then, anyway!

It's done. Just follow the instructions and you'll be all right. To be honest, I never thought that this thing would still have its uses after all these years.

Ah, yes, I just found this in the journal too.

Give this to Royinjan when you see him again. Maybe this will jog his memory a bit.

Why didn't you say anything back there, Ararycan? Amadhiah's a good Nara. You have nothing to fear.

Ararycan wasn't afraid. Ararycan has heard of the things you talked about earlier, and they're very familiar. Just can't remember them...

Ararycan was confused, so Ararycan didn't say anything.

That's quite a strange problem, Ararycan.

Yes, very strange!

This is tiring, but at least we're making progress. Anyway, let's do what Amadhiah said and go find the two fragments, then give them to Jazari.

Hey Royinjan, we're back!

There you are. Looks like you met the old man and found the fragments you were looking for, hmm?

That aside, is he as tedious now as he was then? Not that I care though.

What did Amadhiah tell you? Don't believe anything he said! If he hadn't slipped back into the village the night before our adventure at sea...

We could have been the greatest adventurers in history.

Doesn't sound very likely...

Come on, I'm just kidding. I'm better suited to dealing in antiques.

Even a great adventurer like my grandfather eventually went missing in their adventures. I doubt I would've stood much of a chance.

For me, I'd be satisfied so long as there's a story to hear. So, what stories have you collected? According to our deal, the device fragments in your hands were meant to be exchanged for stories.

About the inundated device and The Withering...

Haha, that's a great adventure indeed. You are marvelous adventurers. If only I had been able to complete such a journey myself.

That's a good enough story for me. The fragments are yours, as we agreed.

Take them to our great researcher. He's been stressing out this entire time while you were out having your fun.

I should get back to my shop now. I'll be quite upset if I missed out on a big sale.

Wait a second, we have something else we have to do. That flower...

Amadhiah wanted you to have this.

A flower? Seriously? At his age?

Hold on, I think I remember this...

Have you recalled anything?

Haha. Maybe, but then again, maybe not. Anyway, the past should stay in the past, so forget it.

But I have a feeling this flower does not belong to me, so please, return it to where it belongs. I can tell that you can see things I can't.

He seems to have become a bit more fun than before...

Do drop by my shop when you get the chance. Until then, farewell!

Where it belongs... The flower is yours, Ararycan.

This flower is precious. Why give it to Ararycan?

Because it belongs to you!

Ararycan doesn't remember the flower, but Ararycan likes it.

Ararycan cherishes this flower. Ararycan shall plant it in the garden.

We'll see you at the foot of the Great Iron Mountain. Once we get the giant machine started, we'll go get the bad guys together.

Yes, Ararycan wants to fight the bad guys with you!

That's a promise, Ararycan!

Thank goodness you're back.

Here are the two remaining fragments...

Ah, yes, that's them, alright! Thank you so much for your help. I'll take care of the rest.

Well, this should do the trick. Haha, pretty good, eh? Why, I bet that even a Herbad of the Akademiya couldn't fix this thing without consulting any information.

You're lucky to have me with you, you know? Now we can get inside the Ruin Golem!

Uh... I think that's our line.

Ah, no one's been in this machine for centuries. I can already smell the parchment of the pages in the academic annals that shall bear my name! ...Oh, um, sorry. I got too excited.

No problem. Paimon's getting excited too! Mora or treasure, here we come!